The WWDC has begun and Apple has finally unveiled its latest mobile OS called iOS 14. Apple’s SVP of engineering Craig Federighi took the stage to talk about iOS 14.
The most notable change is the widgets. Widgets were already available in the Today view, but you can now drag them out from the Today view to your home screen. Some of the widgets can also take advantage of the full width of the device while others can remain to a small square. Users can also download new widgets from a widget gallery
The first feature he talked about was the App Library. This feature automatically organizes apps in neat folders. It also lets you quickly search for the app or delete a group of apps from the device together.
Apple has also introduced a new Picture in Picture mode for iPhone. If you are watching a video on an app and minimize the app, the video continues playing in a small window on the iPhone.
iMessage app is also getting a big update to compete against other other popular messaging apps. Now you can pin conversations at the top to get quick access. Apple has also added inline replies to iMessage. You can mention specific people and get notified when someone mentions you.
Each conversation is now more customizable. You can now set a photo or emoji for a conversation Memoji is also getting some new options like new hair, face covers and new hair.
As expected, Apple has also added an option to try an app before downloaded. The company calls it App Clips. You can quickly run an app without installing it. App Clips are basically mini apps or a small part of an app that can be run without installation. If you want full access, install the app from the App Library.
The new iOS 14 is also getting CarKey, a feature that lets you unlock your car wirelessly using an iPhone.
Siri is getting a new design. Now it will not take over the entire screen but will appear in a small bubble at the bottom of the screen. Results will appear at the top of the screen just like a notification. You can also ask Siri to send audio messages on iMessage. Apple has also improved keyboard dictation.
Siri will now processor voice on the device. It can also translate words. Apple has also released a new Translate app that can also translate from voice-to-text-to-voice.
Apple has also improved privacy features. Now if an app is using a microphone or camera, there will be a new dot in the top right corner to indicate it. Before downloading an app, it will show you a privacy card detailing how your data will be used.
As always, iOS 14 should be available to everyone in September with the next iPhone models.
